DSLR Lighting Kits

samrvogel

samrvogel

Active member
After doing alot of research on cameras and whatnot, thanks to helpful comments you left on my previous post, I've decided to sell the D7000 and replace it with a 550D. This will leave me with a healthy pool of spending dollars for accessories for the camera. One thing I've been obsessed with (as I am brand new in the realm of filming on my own - I normally have had resources available from school) is lighting. Does anyone have any suggestions on what a good, cheap starters lighting kit would be? Or would my best option be to just strap on an DSLR 60LED light?

Thanks again everyone, I'd just like to say this community is wonderful and everyone is happy to help. I'm excited to become a very active member.
 
Hi, what about the Photoflex First Studio Two Light Portrait Kit, is a nice small setup for interviews and small places for a 299$
 
Buy quality the first time and you will only have to buy once. I would buy high end used lights before buying new. You will far more for your money. I can recommend several resellers beside ebay etc...
 
I agree with Paul, since photography is painting with light, you really don't want to skimp on that department. Look on ebay, and you can find used lowell lights by themselves for very cheap, especially omnis and totas. These aren't the best lights in the world and I'm sure you know them well from school, but they are work horses and as soon as you get a few projects under your belt allocate some cash and upgrade. Plus knowing how to shape and manipulate light will also be a very valuable tool when you lack the resources for proper lighting.
 
see thats the thing... the film program I'm in at my high school (I'm a senior about to enroll in film school in college) is very in depth and respected,but never offered us any lighting to use or even taught us anything about it. I really does make a difference, and several kids do end up purchasing their own kits which it seems I will be haha. are there any specific brands, types or package names I should be searching on Ebay when I'm looking for used lights? Thanks everyone for your advice, it's been every helpful.
 
Arri/Mole Richarsdson/Kino

Buy this book.

Watch some of the classic films, see how they light.

Watch any of Roger Deakins work. He is a master @ natural lighting.

Go to a gallery and watch how some of the master painters "lit" their subjects.

camera+obscura+Vermeer.jpg
 
I think that you need to step back

-runs from the mains ?

- runs from batteries

- daylight tungsten?

You can only answer these questions by knowing the sort of stuff you want to do

IMO non adjustable, doesnt match daylight, fire hazard, hard to diffuse cheap tungstens are not the way forward in the DSLR era

Adapters needed quantity of light, DLSRs need quality of light

my take.. http://dslr4real.tv/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=31&Itemid=1

S
 
morgan_moore said:
I think that you need to step back

-runs from the mains ?

- runs from batteries

- daylight tungsten?

You can only answer these questions by knowing the sort of stuff you want to do

IMO non adjustable, doesnt match daylight, fire hazard, hard to diffuse cheap tungstens are not the way forward in the DSLR era

Adapters needed quantity of light, DLSRs need quality of light

my take.. http://dslr4real.tv/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=31&Itemid=1

S
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice morgan. As I shoot a lot of extreme sports (skating/bmx/motocross) I believe I'll need something smaller, portable, and battery opp'd. However for the past 2 years I have been taught film with Documentary as their method so something more stationary and what not would work too. I was thinking about purchasing one of the 60/70/etc LED lights for the hotshoe on my cam/handle... would it be worth it at all? Not as a replacement to a lighting kit, but just to have in general. Thanks.
 
I dont know

To me the idea of a light on the camera is generally bad because a light should not move when your camera does

of course if you are doing RnG doco it may be the only option

and used as a subtle fill it probably has some use

I think a few small LEDs are a good part of any kit, I would just put them on the cam ONLY when I have to

Small LED have little power in the sun of course

S
 
Check out Richard's stuff - www.coolights.biz He's a DVXUser Sponsor..

The LED's are cool. I have a buddy that has them and they work for a lot of things. I'm buying a few next month to use with my 5DII. I also own or have owned at least one of each of the flo fixtures including the softbox fixtures. They all work great, but LED is going to be pretty much your only option for ultra portability (battery). Check out the lighting forum...
 
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